Azita Afsharnejat has been a valued member of Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA) team for over 10 years. She started as a Youth and Senior Counsellor and has now been the Program Coordinator of One on One Counselling for the last nine years. In her role, she faces a diverse range of tasks every day, from managing administrative duties to overseeing the counselling process and working with clients from different backgrounds and cultures. She enjoys the variety and challenges of her job. She also finds fulfillment in using her skills and experience to support her team of counsellors to ensure that the clients receive high-quality and individualized care.
Azita moved to Canada with her family in 2008 for a better life for herself and her children. She was impressed by the high-quality education and healthcare system, as well as by the diversity in Canada. She appreciates working at CIWA because of the organization’s strong commitment to supporting newcomers in their integration and empowerment journey. Working with immigrant women is incredibly rewarding for Azita, as she has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on their lives by providing valuable resources for new immigrants to help them navigate new challenges and opportunities.
Azita is proud to work alongside a team of dedicated and passionate professionals who share her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of immigrant women and their families. The organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is one of the reasons why she enjoys working there so much.
” I appreciate the supportive and inclusive work culture at CIWA, where everyone’s contributions are valued and respected “
Azita understands the challenges that immigrant women may face, such as language barriers, employment barriers, social isolation, and cultural differences. She recognizes the importance of employment support and language training that CIWA provides to facilitate a smooth transition for immigrant women into their new home country. In addition, she is also passionate about organizing social inclusion activities that help build a sense of community among immigrant women and provide them with a space to connect and support one another.
Azita speaks Farsi and holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and has always been interested in understanding human behavior and helping people in need. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching movies, hiking, traveling, spending time with family and volunteering. She feels very proud of her children and the people they are becoming. Seeing them grow and thrive brings her a great deal of joy and satisfaction. Her daughter is currently studying in medical school, and her son is in grade 11.
“I’m grateful for the many blessings in my life, and I strive to approach each day with a sense of purpose and gratitude.”
Azita’s commitment, coupled with her education and experience, makes her a valuable member of the CIWA team, and we are proud to have her with us.
To learn more about CIWA’s One-on-One Counselling for Immigrant Women Program, click here.